MINISTRY TO THE SICK

The Ministry to the Sick is an important aspect of the sacramental life of our parish. This is especially true in light of the fact that there is an unusually large number of elderly members in the parish – some homebound, others in rest homes or hospitals.

This ministry requires many dedicated volunteers who are themselves committed to the service of the Church and who are willing to administer the rite of ordinary "Communion visits" to shut-ins. Training, assigning and supervising the volunteers in this ministry is the responsibility of Fr. Perlito de la Cruz. In addition to providing Communion when requested, it is the responsibility of these dedicated ministers to inform the parish priests concerning the other Sacramental needs of the sick, e.g., Anointing, Reconciliation, etc. From time to time, the priests of the Parish arrange for communal Anointing of the Sick at the Church and at the nursing homes.

Please call the parish office or contact

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THE MUSIC MINISTRY

The Music Ministry at the Parish of St. Joseph / St. Teresa of Avila is designed to provide a means for parishioners to participate more fully and meaningfully in liturgical celebrations. The ministry provides guidance and leadership to the parishioners in the musical celebration of the liturgy and opportunities to participate as cantors, musicians and in choral groups.

Groups currently in place and open to new members include:

Please contact Bobbie Brown, Music Director at (530) 637-4376 for more information on opportunities to participate in the music program.

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EUCHARISTIC MINISTRY

Eucharistic Ministers assist the celebrant at Mass by helping to distribute the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ to the faithful in the celebration of the Sacrament of the Eucharist. Eucharistic Ministers assist at all Masses on the weekends and most Holy days of Obligation. To be a Eucharistic Minister for the Catholic Community of Auburn, a person must be a registered member of the Parish in good standing, have attended the required training, and signed a statement of commitment for the responsibilities and obligations of being a disciple to Jesus Christ as a Eucharistic Minister.

Duties of a Eucharistic Minister include assembling the necessary vessels before Mass for the consecration and distribution of Communion under both species, preparing sufficient quantities of bread and wine to provide Communion for that Mass, sharing the Body and Blood of Christ with the faithful at Communion time, and purifying all the vessels used in the consecration and distribution of the Sacrament.

For more information on this wonderful ministry, contact Tony and Carrie Ivins at (530) 885-1269 or email at
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ALTAR SOCIETY

Responsibilities of the Altar Society include light cleaning tasks, caring for linens, vestments and altar server garments, and generally caring for the welfare of the churches. The Society serves as the resources about the needs of the church for linens, fabrics and cleaning supplies. Florals are provided for special occasions. Membership is open to both men and women. Monthly meetings are held the first Tuesday of the month following the 8:30 Mass at St. Joseph’s Church. For information, please call Anna Manzinali ph. 530-885-3927

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WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER

Marriage Encounter is a weekend experience for married couples who want to enrich their relationship and improve their good marriage. This "Seminar for the Heart" gives couples an opportunity to share their feelings, their hopes, disappointments, joys, and frustrations in an open, honest, face-to-face, heart-to-heart encounter with the one person each has chosen for a lifetime.

Participants listen to presentations given by Catholic couples and a priest, then discuss privately what they have heard and how it applies to them. The emphasis is on communication between the husband and wife, who spend their weekend away from the distractions and tensions of everyday life to concentrate on each other. Visit their website to view schedule and learn more: http://www.fftf.net/wwme

For more information, please contact at (530) 878-3744.

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CATHOLIC ENGAGED ENCOUNTER

Catholic Engaged Encounter is a marriage preparation program available to couples being married in the Catholic Church. If you are planning marriage, please ask your priest about this exciting and dynamic program.

Presentations usually start on Friday evening and end on Sunday afternoon. Weekends are held at various locations in the Sacramento area throughout the year.

All discussions during the weekend will be between couples where you will explore your relationship while answering probing questions about your views on family, finance, customs, children... the list is too long to be covered here.  At the conclusion you will have discussed many of the topics that you will eventually address during your beginning years of marriage... and there is no requirement for you to speak before the group, other than a quick introduction session. This is a one-on-one program between couples.

We think there is no better program available to prepare you for marriage anywhere! With the staggering divorce rates and the effect they have on family and children, why wouldn't you learn all you can about your lifestyle for the rest of your life? Now is up to you!

More information about Catholic Engaged Encounter is available at http://www.SacEE.org

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RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA)

The development of a relationship with God and our neighbor is the core of the call to ongoing conversion within each of us as we journey through life toward our God.

We welcome people who are interested in inquiring about the Catholic Faith or who wish to convert or come into full communion with the Catholic Church.

The process is called the Rite of Christian Initiation of adults (RCIA). It is one of the best things to happen regularly in our Parish. Each week from September to April, Tuesday evenings give life and energy to all who are involved in making this process happen.

If you are interested in knowing more about RCIA, please call Mary Dent at the Parish Office – (530) 885-2956.

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PARISH LENDING LIBRARY

Numerous quality books, audio tapes and videos are available for sign out from the Parish Library for both adults and children. The library is located in the large conference room next to the Parish Office.  It is normally open on Sundays 8:30am - 12:00 noon; Tuesdays, 9:00am - 11:30am and Thursdays, 9:15am - 12 noon.  To view the complete list of titles click here.

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ALTAR SERVERS
schedule

The parish youth can participate in the Mass as altar servers. They assist the priest with the preparation of the altar and ensure that the required items used during the Mass are in place. Boys and girls in the fourth grade or older may join if they are willing to make the commitment to be responsible and on time for the Masses they are assigned. A mandatory initial training program is required along with occasion refresher training sessions. Interested girls and boys should contact the Parish Office at (530) 885-2956 Click for the current server schedule.

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BIBLE STUDY

Please contact

LECTOR MINISTRY

A lector is one who proclaims the word of God at Mass. The lector assist at Mass by proclaiming the first and second readings and occasionally the Psalm. The lector’s role is not merely to read but to bring the word of God to life for the assembly.

All lectors are provided training which includes use of the microphone, actions and posture at the lectern, and how to enunciate and speak clearly and with vitality. For more information, please contact Joe Offer at

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AUBURN FOOD CLOSET

The Auburn Food Closet serves our parish, providing groceries as needed to large and low-income families. At Christmastime, we provide canned goods, staples and holiday items to 28-30 families. The number aided at other times during the year varies with need.

Our collections are made the second weekend of each month, with barrels stationed at each church. The items are inventoried and stored in the kitchen pantry at St. Teresa of Avila Church. Committee members bring donations from Foresthill and St. Joseph to the storage site.

Each bag of groceries provided includes a flyer designating that the items are provided by our parish and listing the schedule of Masses and Confessions for each site.

Please contact

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PARISH YOUTH MINISTRY

Our Parish Youth Ministry is for, to, with and by junior high school and senior high school youth. Our most important goals are: to empower young people to live as disciples of Jesus in our world today; to draw young people to responsible participation in the life, mission and work of the faith community; to foster the personal and spiritual growth of each person; and have fun!

High school students, please contact

8th Graders, please contact

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MINISTRY OF USHERS AND GREETERS

Since the Second Vatican Council, laymen and women have been called to a variety of new liturgical ministries. The ministry of USHERS has been with us before Vatican Two. Please contact

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PROJECT GABRIEL

This project seeks to assist in practical terms those women who have experienced an unexpected pregnancy, and do desperately need resources during this time of their lives. Please contact
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JAIL MINISTRY

Auburn is the county seat, and therefore is the address for the county men’s and women’s jail, and the juvenile detention facility. Depending on the charity of time and care of a number of loving parishioners, various units within the jail are visited on Sundays, and given an opportunity to listen to the Word of God, and to receive Communion. Please contact
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GATHERING INN HOMELESS MINISTRY

Please contact Deacon Bill Boudier for information about how to help this project, giving of time on any evening of your choice, ph. 916-786-4886.
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CHRISTIAN FAMILY MOVEMENT (CFM)

The Christian Family Movement is a national network, with a local a chapter here in our parish. CFM brings together a network of families and affirms Catholic families by providing discussion, guidance, and support for today’s busy parents. The fellowship CFM fosters helps families to feel a greater sense of community as they attend church. Gathering monthly in small groups at each others’ homes, usually three to six families, the parents and children each have fun activities that affirms our faith.

If you would like to learn more, please feel free to call Robin & Steve Matthews at (530) 885-8968.

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